TWO CENTS / On animals

Published
4:00 am PST, Wednesday, February 26, 2003

Should it be legal to feed wildlife? .

Ted Mavrakos

Concord

No. A deer is not a pet; neither is a raccoon, bear or mountain lion. Animals only get bolder once they get used to the scent of humans. If you don't believe me, hang a piece of steak around your neck and walk in the Sierra foothills -- your "pet" mountain lion will come around for dinner (and dessert).

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Tamera White

San Francisco

No. The more humans leave wildlife alone, the better off they'll be. In addition to all the other harm we do to wildlife, let's not add to the list getting them addicted to Doritos, tuna sandwiches and cheesecake.

Yes. We feed hummingbirds, squirrels, opossums, wild turkeys, raccoons and various other small animals in our backyard. We purchase feed at a nature food store. Since we are providing a natural food source, the animals are appreciative, but not dependent. .

No. I once had to tell a neighbor to not feed the "cute" skunk family because they would invade our cabins looking for food, could cause olfactory problems for us and potentially could be vectors for rabies. She was puzzled by my comments -- another city person with no understanding of nature beyond Nordstrom.